3 Max Scherzer trades that could blow up the deadline

2. The Yankees might be able to afford Max Scherzer and his extra contract details

There’s no question the New York Yankees will do whatever it takes to win, no matter the cost. New York’s rotation has actually fared well for the most part this season (3.90 ERA), but outside of Gerrit Cole there has been inconsistency for a majority of the season.

Getting a pitcher like Scherzer to team up with Cole atop the rotation would make for a lethal 1-2 punch and should give the Yankees an advantage in October should they reach the playoffs. Heading into Wednesday, New York owns a 38-34 record and sit 5.5 games behind the first-place Tampa Bay Rays.

The Yankees seem like a team most likely willing to take on Scherzer and a large portion of his contract regardless of a potential financial hit. Prior to the regular season, New York was ranked with the 18th-best farm system in the majors, per MLB Pipeline. They don’t have many top prospects to part ways with, but taking a financial burden off the hands of the Nationals should be enough to suffice.

All this depends on where the Nationals are at around the deadline as well. Washington is four games out of first place and seven games behind a Wild Card spot in the National League. There doesn’t seem to be much optimism regarding a World Series run, which could lead to an early start on a retool.